We must have a detailed understanding of natural water cycles in each area if we want to use groundwater in sustainable and environmentally friendly ways. The Institute for Water Science carries out on-site investigations in collaboration with third-party organizations to assess water quality and quantity of natural spring and surface water and conduct monitoring operations in order to develop a detailed understanding of groundwater conditions. Their findings are used to protect the safety and integrity of our precious natural water sources so that we can offer their delicious benefits to our customers for generations to come.
Institute for Water Science Institute for Water Science
We are carrying out comprehensive research aimed at discovering and sharing important insights about all kinds of water—from the water that cycles naturally through our planet to the water found inside our own cells and tissues.
Mission
Sustained by Nature and Water — Protecting Water and Life for the Future
The Suntory Group has established the commitment “Sustained by Nature and Water.” Since we rely on water and the gifts of nature, we have to conserve our water resources, use water responsibly, and send it back into the environment without causing environmental harm. It is in this way that we fulfill our social responsibility and help create a more sustainable society.
The Suntory Group established the Institute for Water Science to deepen our understanding of the water we use and to conserve our water resources for the future.
Through various fields of water research, including hydrology-based natural water cycles that use forest functions to recharge water sources, the study of global water issues, water health, and water preferences. In carrying out our role as a multifaceted food and beverage company, we continue to advance research and spread knowledge of all aspects of water, from its workings in the natural world to its workings within the human body.
Our activities
Sustainable groundwater use
Research to solve the world's water resource problems
Communities around the world suffer from water scarcity, unsafe drinking water, and a host of other water-related challenges. Climate change can be a threat to agricultural production and growing regions, which in turn has a impact on people’s lives and livelihoods. Suntory owes so much to water and has become deeply involved in global water issues as part of its commitment to "In Harmony with People and Nature." The Institute for Water Science is currently working closely with the University of Tokyo Water Forum and other organizations to analyze related trends, evaluate water resources, and share our findings with the broader public.
Suntory’s Natural Water Sanctuary Project ーーForest hydrology
The goal of Suntory’s Natural Water Sanctuary Project is to protect several of Japan’s forests so that they are able to recharge a greater volume of groundwater than we use in our manufacturing plants. At this time, we are still working to scientifically determine which management techniques most effectively keep forests healthy and steadily recharging groundwater.
The Institute for Water Science has engaged a diverse team of scientists specializing in water, soil, vegetation, and other related fields to carry out repeated scientific trials in various forests environments and conditions. Our aim is to develop and then scientifically validate the forest management methods that will best meet our project goal.
Study of water in body
Approximately 60% of the human body is made up with water. The water plays a vital role for maintaining life – distributing nutrients, eliminating waste products, providing places for digestion and metabolism, and regulating body temperature through perspiration –. Therefore, it is considered that water balance and circulation in body are closely related to human health.
The Institute for Water Science carries out research for revealing the relationship between the internal water cycle and human health and proceeds with a joint research project, "Water Channeling Life", collaborating with Keio University School of Medicine.
Study of preference of water
Studying preferences for a substance commonly thought to be odorless and tasteless is quite a challenge. However, it is thought that people can find water delicious depending on the flavor profile created by the relative proportion of certain trace elements. As the market for mineral water continues to grow, the Institute for Water Science is looking into the phenomenon of water taste as well as the factors that affect our preferences and perceptions.
Fundamental research on water chemistry
Water contains minerals, organic substances, and other dissolved compounds. The Institute for Water Science uses sophisticated measurement techniques to detect and analyze these trace elements with the aim of discovering how they affect the characteristics of different types of water.
We put our findings to work in a variety of fields, from water quality studies in Natural Water Sanctuaries to detailed analyses of groundwater flow. We are also developing cutting-edge analytical techniques that allow us to examine water characteristics with even more accuracy and precision.
Research Papers & Conference Presentations on Sustainability
Related books and reports
The Wisdom of Water(2010) published in Japanese／The University of Tokyo "Wisdom of Water" (sponsored by Suntory)
Editorial supervisor: Taikan Oki
This is a compilation of lectures given at an independent research seminar entitled "Wisdom of Water (Suntory) Corporate Sponsored Research Program". It presents an overview of cutting-edge findings in the field of water research by introducing the work of scientists and practitioners active in diverse fields spanning both the humanities and sciences.
Water map of Japan(2012) published in Japanese／Organization for Interdisciplinary Research Project, The University of Tokyo
Edited by members of the "Wisdom of Water" (Suntory) Corporate Sponsored Research Program
This wide-ranging analysis evaluates and maps a host of different water-related concepts—water taste, water quality, water resources, water supply, water costs, water damage, and more—in various places throughout Japan. The result is a clear, approachable survey of the relationships between people and water that is filled with illuminating figures and easy-to-read tables.
The Scientific Study of "Natural Water Sanctuaries"(2013) published in Japanese／Institute for Water Science, Suntory Business Expert Ltd.
Suntory Holdings Ltd.
Suntory has developed "Natural Water Sanctuaries" in various places around Japan as key sites for recharging groundwater and conserving biodiversity. This report introduces a wide range of research activities that look at the natural water cycle, plant life, soil, and more with the aim of creating forests with rich biological diversity and a superior ability to recharge groundwater.
Heading to the Forest to Conserve Water(2012) published in Japanese／Takeshi Yamada
Forests play an important role in recharging precious groundwater, but their degradation is causing severe challenges. This document presents a detailed history of Suntory's Natural Water Sanctuary Project, created to protect the future of our forests and groundwater through careful scientific inquiry into the source of these challenges.
